Ready to lead: Hughes officially named shared A-P/GC superintendent

In Rob Hughes’s view, his new job leading Aplington-Parkersburg and Grundy Center provides a golden opportunity to get closer to his roots while blazing a trail for the two districts as they enter previously uncharted territory sharing a superintendent.

Hughes, a Lime Springs native who currently serves as the assistant superintendent at Fort Dodge, was officially hired by both boards last Wednesday after a lengthy interview on April 17.

“What really stood out to me is that there’s a real rich tradition of success in both Grundy Center and Aplington-Parkersburg for a variety of reasons, both in athletics and activities,” he said. “(And) their student achievement has been strong. I really embrace the rural values. Watching the two districts in their cooperative efforts to do what’s in the best interest of students and for the community really attracted me.”

As the first person to ever hold the shared position, Hughes is well aware that it will pose unique challenges, but he finds himself encouraged by the collaboration between the school boards at A-P and Grundy Center as well as the Cedar Valley West partnership with Hawkeye Community College—which also includes Dike-New Hartford and Gladbrook-Reinbeck. He said he’ll always be mindful of concerns about how he’s dividing his time and wants to give everything he has to both districts. Other sharing agreements in the area include North Butler and Clarksville, Gladbrook-Reinbeck and North Tama, and BCLUW and GMG.

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